Professional Services
In an effort to support the dedicated men and women in public service careers, Cleary University is offering the Courage and Public Service Scholarship, an exclusive tuition scholarship program to attain undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly and affordably.
The 50 percent tuition scholarship is open to public service, civic and municipal employees, education professionals, first responders and emergency personnel.
Cleary offers online and in-person flexible evening classes, accepts up to 90 transfer credits and even grants credits for work experience and certifications. Complete your degree in a year or two at half the cost.
Cleary University has campuses in two convenient locations: Detroit and Howell.
Michigan residents ages 25 and up can qualify to attend their in-district community college to earn an associate degree tuition-free under a the new Michigan Reconnect program.
The program is open to residents who have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree. Michigan Reconnect also provides free tuition for those ages 25 and up seeking a Pell-eligible skill certificate.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, applicants must also have lived in Michigan a year or longer and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started.
If you attend a college in a district where you don’t live, Michigan Reconnect only pays the in-district part of the tuition and the student will need to pay the remaining balance.
Click here for more information and to apply for Michigan Reconnect.
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAFF are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.
“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAFF Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.
Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the Annual Open House in December.
Weiss recounted a case in which a Detective was accused of hitting on a witness and complainant. “There was nothing in the CBA for sexting, however it was clear the department could discipline him if they thought it was warranted,” Weiss said.
While Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) offers many services which improve their members’ employment situation, they also offer special member perks, providing valuable services at discount prices.
MAFF is able to offer members group rates on many services they utilize including:
- Discounted automotive and homeowners insurance.
- Free pre-retirement professional financial planning through Raider Dennis Agency.
- Discounted life and disability insurance and other products.
- Save up to 17% off select Apple products and third-party products through the Apple Government Member Purchase Program. Free standard shipping on orders of more than $50, free laser engraving on any iPod, exclusive promotions and online custom product configuration are also available.
For more details, click on the Member Rewards box on the Home Page or click here for other services.
MAFF Representatives believe there is more to a union than just negotiating wages and benefit improvements. Equally important is the protection of members’ rights and their jobs.
Today public safety workers face many threats to their employment from municipalities looking for ways to cut costs. Protecting union jobs from privatization and downsizing measures is just one of the ways MAFF is watching out for its membership.
MAFF also steps in when members are accused of wrongdoing on the job. Public safety workers know these accusations can quickly result in criminal charges. MAFF offers legal services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MAFF attorneys can assist with Garrity statements when it matters the most. And there is no additional cost to members for this invaluable service.
